Patient Perspectives on Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Lifestyle Behaviors

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading global cause of death, with hypertension as a major preventable risk factor. Limited knowledge and awareness among hypertensive patients contribute to poor disease control. Understanding patients’ knowledge and attitudes toward cardiovascular risk factors is essential for effective management. The objective of this study is to assess hypertensive patients’ knowledge, risk perceptions, and lifestyle behaviors related to cardiovascular risk, and to identify areas for improved management. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Eastern Medical College & Hospital, Cumilla, from July 2023 to June 2024 with 128 hypertensive patients. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire that assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyle behaviors related to hypertension. Adults aged 20-70 years were included by convenient sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS v23.0. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed written consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation were ensured. Result: Among 128 hypertensive patients (mean age 54.3±12.1 years; 54.7% male), awareness of major cardiovascular risk factors was high, particularly for hypertension (89.8%) and diabetes (70.3%). Most patients had positive attitudes toward lifestyle modification, especially medication adherence (95.3%), though adherence to diet, exercise, and smoking cessation was lower (31.3–70.3%). Physicians were the main source of information (79.7%). Key barriers to lifestyle change included lack of motivation (43.8%), time constraints (34.4%), and financial limitations (29.7%). Conclusion: Hypertensive patients showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward lifestyle modification, yet adherence to diet, exercise, and medication remained suboptimal, indicating inconsistency between awareness and actual self-management.

Eastern Med Coll J. January 2026 Vol.11 No.1 : 20-25